Fairchild, North American, Martin and Northrop declined to
participate. The remaining five companies tendered a total of ten
designs: Lockheed two, Boeing one, Chase three, Douglas three, and
Airlifts Inc. one. The contest was a close affair between the
lighter of the two Lockheed (preliminary project designation L-206)
proposals and a four-turboprop Douglas design.

The Lockheed design team was led by Willis Hawkins, starting with a 130 page
proposal for the Lockheed L-206, and another
two-turboprop and heavier one. Hall
Hibbard, Lockheed vice president and chief engineer, saw the
proposal and directed it to Kelly
Johnson, who remarked when he saw the proposal, "If you sign
that letter, you will destroy the Lockheed Company." Both Hibbard
and Johnson signed the proposal and the company won the contract
for the now-designated Model 82 on 2 July 1951.

The first
flight of the YC-130prototype was made on 23 August 1954 from the
Lockheed plant in Burbank, California. The aircraft, serial number53-3397, was the second prototype but the first of the two
to fly. The YC-130 was piloted by Stanley Beltz and
Roy Wimmer on its 61-minute flight to Edwards Air
Force Base; Jack Real and Dick Stanton served as flight
engineers. Kelly Johnson flew chase in a P2V Neptune.

Production

C-130H Hercules flight deck

After the
two prototypes were completed, production began in Marietta,
Georgia, where more than 2,300 C-130s have been
built.

The initial production model, the C-130A, was
powered by Allison T56-A-9 turboprops
with three-blade propellers. Deliveries
began in December 1956, continuing until the introduction of the
C-130B model in 1959. Some A models were
re-designated C-130D after being equipped with
skis. The newer C-130B had ailerons with increased boost — 3,000 psi (21 MPa) versus
2,050 psi (14 MPa) — as well as uprated engines and
four-bladed propellers that were standard until the J-model's
introduction.

C-130A model

The first
production C-130s were designated as A-models, with deliveries to
the 463d Troop Carrier Wing
at Ardmore
AFB, Oklahoma and the 314th Troop Carrier Wing at
Sewart
AFB, Tennessee. Six additional squadrons were
assigned to the 322d Air Division
in Europe and the 315th Air
Division in the Far East. Additional airplanes were modified for
electronics intelligence work and assigned to Rhein-Main Air
Base, Germany while modified RC-130As were assigned to
the Military Air
Transport Service (MATS) photo-mapping division.
Airplanes equipped with giant skis were designated as C-130Ds, but
were essentially A-models except for the conversion. As the C-130A
became operational with Tactical
Air Command (TAC), the airplane's lack of range became apparent
and additional fuel capacity was added in the form of external
pylon-mounted tanks at the end of the wings. The A-model continued
in service through the Vietnam War,
where the airplanes assigned to the four squadrons at Naha AB, Okinawa and
one at Tachikawa Air
Base, Japan performed yeoman's service, including
operating highly classified special operations missions such as the
BLIND BAT FAC/Flare mission and FACT SHEET leaflet mission over
Laos and North Vietnam. The A-model was also provided to the
South Vietnamese Air Force as part of the Vietnamization program at
the end of the war, and equipped three squadrons based at Tan Son
Nhut AFB. Last operator in the world is the Honduran Air Force
which is still flying one of five A model Hercs.

C-130B model

The C-130B model was developed to complement the A-models that had
previously been delivered,and incorporated new features,
particularly increased fuel capacity in the form of auxiliary tanks
built into the center wing section and an AC electrical system.
Four-bladed Hamilton Standard propellers replaced the Aero Product
three-bladed propellers that distinguished the earlier A-models.
B-models replaced A-models in the 314th and 463rd Troop Carrier
Wings. During the Vietnam War four squadrons assigned to the 463rd
Troop Carrier/Tactical Airlift Wing based at Clark and Mactan Air
Fields in the Philippines were used primarily for tactical airlift
operations in South Vietnam. In the spring of 1969 463rd crews
commenced COMMANDO VAULT bombing missions dropping M-121 10,000 lb (4,534 kg) bombs to
clear "instant LZs" for helicopters. As the Vietnam War wound down,
the 463rd B-models and A-models of the 374th Tactical Airlift Wing
were transferred back to the United States where most were assigned
to Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units. Another
prominent role for the B-model was with the United States Marine Corps, where
Hercules initially designated as GV-1s replaced C-119s. After Air
Force C-130Ds proved the type's usefulness in Antarctica, the US
Navy purchased a number of B-models equipped with skis that were
designated as LC-130s.An electronic reconnaissance variant of the
C-130B was designated C-130B-II. 13 aircraft were converted and
operated under the SUN VALLEY program name. They were operated
primarily from Yokota Air Base, Japan. All reverted to standard
C-130B cargo aircraft after their replacement in the reconnaissance
role by other aircraft. The C-130B-II was distinguished by its
false external wing fuel tanks, which were disguised signals
intelligence (SIGINT) receiver antennas. These pods were slightly
larger than the standard wing tanks found on other C-130Bs. Most
aircraft featured a swept blade antenna on the upper fuselage, as
well as extra wire antennas between the vertical fin and upper
fuselage not found on other C-130s. Radio call numbers on the tail
of these aircraft were regularly changed so as to confuse observers
and disguise their true mission.

C-130E model

The extended range C-130E model entered service in
1962 after it was developed as an interim long-range transport for
the Military Air Transport Service. Essentially a B-model, the new
designation was the result of the installation of 1,360 US
gal (5,150 l) Sargent Fletcher
external fuel tanks under each wings (mid-section) and more
powerful Allison T-56-A-7A
turboprops. The E model also featured structural improvements,
avionics upgrades and a higher gross
weight.

C-130F / KC-130F / C-130G models

The KC-130tankers, originally
C-130Fs procured for the US Marine Corps (USMC) in 1958
(under the designation GV-1) are equipped with a
removable 3,600 US gal (13,626 l) stainless steelfuel
tank carried inside the cargo compartment. The two wing-mounted
hose and drogue aerial refueling
pods each transfer up to 300 US gal per minute (19 l per
second) to two aircraft simultaneously, allowing for rapid cycle
times of multiple-receiver aircraft formations, (a typical tanker
formation of four aircraft in less than 30 minutes). The US Navy's C-130G has
increased structural strength allowing higher gross weight
operation.

C-130H model

The C-130H model has updated Allison T56-A-15
turboprops, a redesigned outer wing, updated
avionics and other minor improvements. Later H models had
a new, fatigue-life-improved, center wing that was retro-fitted to
many earlier H-models. The H model remains in widespread use with
the US Air Force (USAF) and
many foreign air forces. Initial deliveries began in 1964 (to the
RNZAF), remaining in
production until 1996. An improved C-130H was introduced in
1974.

The United States Coast Guard employs the HC-130H for long range
search and rescue, drug interdiction, illegal migrant patrols,
homeland security, and logistics.

From 1992 to 1996 the C-130H was described as a C-130H3 by the
USAF. The 3 denoting the third variation in design for the H
series. Improvements included a partial glass cockpit (ADI and HSI instruments), a
more capable APN-241 color radar, night vision device compatible
instrument lighting and an improved electrical system using Bus
Switching Units to provide 'clean' power to the more sensitive
upgraded components.

C-130K model

Royal Air Force C-130K (C.3)

The
equivalent model for export to the UK is the
C-130K, known by the Royal Air Force (RAF) as the
Hercules C.1. The
C-130H-30 (Hercules C.3 in RAF
service) is a stretched version of the original Hercules, achieved
by inserting a 100 in (2.54 m) plug aft of the cockpit
and an 80 in (2.03 m) plug at the rear of the fuselage. A
single C-130K was purchased by the Met
Office for use by its Meteorological Research Flight, where it
was classified as the Hercules W.2. This aircraft
was heavily modified (with its most prominent feature being the
long red and white striped atmospheric probe on the nose and the
move of the weather radar into a pod above the forward fuselage).
This aircraft, named Snoopy, was
withdrawn in 2001 and was then modified by Marshall of Cambridge Aerospace as
flight-test bed for A400M turbine, the
TP400. The C-130K is used by the RAF Falcons for parachute drops. Three C-130K
(Hercules C Mk.1P) were upgraded and sold to the Austrian Air Force
in 2002.

The C-130R and C-130T are US Navy
and USMC models, both equipped with underwing external fuel tanks.
The USN C-130T is similar, but has additional avionics
improvements. In both models, aircraft are equipped with Allison
T-56-A-16 engines. The USMC versions are designated
KC-130R or KC-130T when equipped
with underwing refueling pods and pylons and are fully night vision system compatible.

The Lockheed
L-100 is a civilian variant, equivalent to a C-130E
model without military equipment. The L-100 also has 2 stretched
versions.

Next generation

In the 1970s, Lockheed proposed a C-130 variant with turbofan engines rather than turboprops, but the US
Air Force preferred the takeoff performance of the existing
aircraft. In the 1980s, the C-130 was intended to be replaced by
the Advanced Medium STOL
Transport project. The project was canceled and the C-130 has
remained in production.

In the 1990s, the improved C-130J
Super Hercules was developed by Lockheed (later Lockheed
Martin). This model is the newest version and the only model in
production. Externally similar to the classic Hercules in general
appearance, the J model has new turboprop engines, six-bladed
propellers, digital avionics, and other new systems.

Operational history

A Hercules deploying flares, sometimes
referred to as Angel Flares due to the characteristic
shape

While the C-130 is involved in cargo and resupply operations daily,
it has been a part of some notable offensive operations:

The AC-130 also holds the record for the longest sustained flight
by a C-130. From 22 October to 24 October 1997, two AC-130U
gunships flew 36.0 hours nonstop from Hurlburt Field Florida to
Taegu (Daegu), South Korea while being refueled 7 times by KC-135
tanker aircraft. This record flight shattered the previous record
longest flight by over 10 hours while the 2 gunships took on of
fuel. The gunship has been used in every major U.S. combat
operation since Vietnam, except for Operation Eldorado Canyon, the 1986 attack
on Libya.

The MC-130 Combat
Talon variant carries and deploys the among the
largest conventional bombs in the world, the
BLU-82 "Daisy Cutter" and GBU-43/BMassive Ordnance Air Blast
bomb, also known as the MOAB. Daisy Cutters were used during
the Vietnam War to clear landing zones
for helicopters and to eliminate minefields and have recently even been proposed
for anti-personnel use. The weight and size of the weapons make it
impossible or impractical to load them on conventional bombers. The GBU-43/B MOAB is a successor to
the BLU-82 and can perform the same function, as well as perform
strike functions against hardened targets in a low air threat
environment.

In the Indo-Pakistani War of
1965, the Pakistan Air Force
modified/improvised several aircraft for use as heavy bombers, and
attacks were made on enemy bridges and troop concentrations with
some notable successes. No aircraft were lost in the operations,
though one was slightly damaged.

During
the Falklands War ( ) of 1982,
Argentine Air Force C-130s
undertook highly dangerous, daily re-supply night flights as
blockade runners to the Argentine garrison on the Falkland
Islands. They also performed daylight maritime
survey flights. One was lost during the
war. Argentina also operated two KC-130s tankers during the war, and these refueled
both the Skyhawk and Navy Super Etendards which sank 6 British ships.
The British also used their C-130s to support their logistical
operations.

During the Gulf War of 1991 (Operation
Desert Storm), the C-130 Hercules was used operationally by the US
Air Force, US Navy and US Marine Corps, along with the air forces
of Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and the
UK.

During the 2003 invasion of
Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom), the C-130 Hercules has been
used operationally by Australia, the UK and the United States.
After the initial invasion, C-130 operators as part of the Multinational force in Iraq used
their C-130s to support their forces in Iraq.

One RAF
C-130 was shot down on 30 January 2005, when an Iraqi insurgent
brought it down firing with a ZU-23
anti-aircraft artillery gun while the plane was flying at
164 ft (50 m) after it had dropped SAS special forces paratroopers.

USMC C-130T Fat Albert

USMC C-130T Fat Albert at
Janesville WI AirFest 2009

A prominent C-130T aircraft is Fat Albert, the
support aircraft for the US Navy Blue
Angels flight demonstration team. Although Fat Albert supports
a Navy squadron, it is operated by the US Marine Corps (USMC) and
its crew consists solely of USMC personnel. At some air shows featuring the team, Fat Albert takes
part, performing flyovers and sometimes demonstrating its
jet-assisted takeoff (JATO) capabilities.

On 2 September 2009, Bloomberg news reported that the planned
upgrade to the older C-130s would be dropped to provide more funds
for the F-35, CV-22 and airborne tanker replacement programs.

Operators

Countries operating the C-130 in
December 2006

Operational losses

The C-130 is a reliable aircraft. The Royal Air Force recorded an
accident rate of about one aircraft loss per 250,000 flying hours
over the last forty years, placing it behind Vickers VC10s and Lockheed Tristars with no flying losses.
However, more than 15 percent of the 2,350-plus production has been
lost, including 70 by the United
States Air Force and the United States Marine Corps while
serving in the war in Southeast Asia.
By the nature of the Hercules' worldwide service, the pattern of
losses provides an interesting barometer of the global hot spots
over the past fifty years.

Aircraft on display

AC-130A USAF 53-3129, c/n 3001

First
production Hercules, modified to gunship configuration in November
1967, survived 37 mm (1.46 in) AAA hit over South Vietnam
in March 1973, repaired, and finally retired from the 711th Special
Operations Squadron in 1995 for display at the Air Force
Armament Museum, Eglin
AFB, Florida. Named "The First Lady" since
November 1970.

AC-130A USAF 54-1623, c/n 3010

Modified to AC-130A by Ling-Temco-Vought in March 1968,
operations in SEA, named "Ghost Rider", then with the 711th SOS,
1975-1997. Retired to Dobbins AFB, Georgia, April 1997, with three-blade props reinstalled, as
gate guard.To eventual Lockheed museum at Marietta,
Georgia.

Airlifter with 314 TCW, 315 AD, 374 TCW; to Ling-Temco-Vought,
August 1970, and modified to AC-130A. Operations with 16th
Special Operations Squadron; damaged at An Loc, South Vietnam, 23
December 1972; named "Raids Kill 'Em Dead", October, 1974, to 711th
Special Operations Squadron, July 1975, named "Ultimate End",
April, 1994; assigned to Hurlburt Field, Florida, October, 1994,
and retired to Hurlburt
Field's Air Commando Memorial Park, May 1995.

C-130A USAF 56-0518, c/n 3126

Airlifter with 314 TCW, 315 AD, 41 ATS, 328 TAS; to South Vietnamese Air Force 435
Transport Squadron, November 1972; holds the C-130 record for
taking off with the most personnel on board, during evacuation of
SVN, 29 April 1975, with 452. Back to USAF, 185 TAS, 105 TAS; gate guard
at Little Rock
AFB Visitor Center by March 1993, same June
2003.

C-130A USAF 57-0453, c/n 3160

Various airlifter assignments from 1958 to
1991, last duty with 155th TAS, 164th TAG, Tennessee Air National
Guard, Memphis International Airport, Tennessee, 1976-1991, named
"Nite Train to Memphis"; to AMARC in December, 1991, then sent to
Texas for modification into replica of C-130A-II 56-0528, shot down
by Russian fighters over Soviet Yerevan, Armenia on 2 September 1958, while on ELINT mission with loss of all crew.Now
displayed in National Vigilance
Park, National Security Agency grounds, Fort George Meade, Maryland. Three-blade prop replaced later four-blade
version.

Retired 10 June 2007 and moved the the Air Force museum at Oslo
Gardermoen in May 2008.

C-130H RSAF 460, c/n 4566

Operated by 4 Squadron Royal
Saudi Air Force, December 1974, same January 1987. Burned on ground, air
conditioner fire - in airfield corner at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, December 1989. Restored for ground training
by August 1993, same March 2002. At Riyadh Air Base Museum, November 2002, restored for ground
display. Tail swap with RSAF 473, c/n 5235.

EC-130Q USN BuNo 159348, c/n 4601

TACAMO IV, ops with
VQ-4, July 1975-July 1988; modified to TC-130Q,
ops with VR-22, VXE-6; to Tinker AFB with VQ-3, VQ-4, "hack" aircraft as of December
1995. On static display by March 1997, same, March
2005.

C-130H USAF 74-1686, c/n 4669

Airlifter with the 463rd TAW; one of three C-130H airframes
modified to YMC-130H for aborted rescue attempt of Iranian
hostages, Operation Credible
Sport, with rocket packages blistered onto fuselage in 1980,
but these were removed after mission was cancelled. Subsequent duty with
the 4950th Test Wing, then donated
to the Robins
AFB museum, Georgia, in March 1988.